-- Over 16 million people die each year due to lack of surgical care; Mercy 
Ships builds a response to this world problem for the future 

Today, Mercy Ships announced a first look at the construction of the world's 
largest NGO hospital ship which plans to sail to Africa in late 2021 under the 
name of Global Mercy. Mercy Ships, a faith-based global organization powered by 
charitable donors and volunteers, has been providing world-class surgical care 
to those in need for more than 40 years, free of charge.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1273533/Global_Mercy_Exterior.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1273534/Mercy_Ships_Logo.jpg 

"The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel -- a fully custom-built hospital 
ship with customized instruments, state-of-the-art technology and 
highly-trained talent of a modern hospital," said Rosa Whitaker, president of 
Mercy Ships. "It also represents a unique call-to-action for anyone called to 
serve, and it presents the opportunity for people to use their skill set to 
positively impact global healthcare."

According to the Lancet Global Surgery 2030 Report, an estimated number of 16.9 
million people die yearly due to lack of access to surgical care. Over 93 
percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to safe and 
timely surgery.[1] As COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile 
healthcare systems globally, the need to provide basic life-saving care is 
greater than ever, especially in low-to-middle income countries. The Global 
Mercy will deliver a safe and clean environment to various African nations, 
providing help and resources from some of the most well-trained physicians in 
the world. Over the vessel's 50 year expected lifespan, it is estimated that 
more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone.

In addition to providing surgeries, the Global Mercy will be outfitted with 
state-of-the-art training spaces including a simulation lab with virtual and 
augmented reality, mannequins and other training tools and simulated post-op 
care space, which allow trainers to simulate local conditions and limitations 
in order to teach best practices in low-resource environments.

The 174-meter, 37,000-ton ship will have six operating rooms and house over 600 
volunteers from around the globe representing many disciplines including 
surgeons, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians, the host staff and 
more. The ship will also feature a 682-seat auditorium, student academy, 
gymnasium, pool, café, shop and library -- all of which have been designed to 
accommodate up to 950 crew onboard when docked in port.

The Global Mercy will join the current flagship Africa Mercy, more than 
doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity. For 
more information about Mercy Ships, updates on Global Mercy or how to volunteer 
or donate, please visit: www.mercyships.org

[1] Lancet Global Surgery 2030 ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2916106-1&h=214617345&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelancet.com%2Fjournals%2Flancet%2Farticle%2FPIIS0140-6736(15)60160-X%2Ffulltext&a=Lancet+Global+Surgery+2030 
)

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare 
services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little 
access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, 
Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services 
valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million 
people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 50 nations, with an 
average of over 2,000 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, 
dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and 
agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an 
Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations. 
For more information, visit: www.mercyships.org.au 

SOURCE:  Mercy Ships

CONTACT: Diane Rickard
         International Media Relations Manager
         Mercy Ships
         international.media@mercyships.org, or 
         mercyships.org